As the 2025-26 NHL season kicks off, eight teams remain unbeaten in regulation, showcasing a promising start despite the small sample size of games. The Colorado Avalanche, who stand out with a record of 3-0-1, have made a significant impression, including a solitary shootout loss to the Dallas Stars. Entering Week 2, the Avalanche lead the league with seven points, slightly ahead of the two-time defending Stanley Cup champions, the Florida Panthers, and the Boston Bruins.
Each week, the league’s top 10 teams will be ranked based on their performances. In the opening rankings, the Avalanche take the top spot, having demonstrated an impressive defensive display by allowing just one goal in three victories over teams like the Los Angeles Kings, Utah Mammoth, and Buffalo Sabres. Goaltender Scott Wedgewood has been instrumental, posting a solid 1.72 goals-against average this season. Notably, 2024 Hart Trophy winner Nathan MacKinnon has hit the ground running, tying for second in the league with four goals and sharing the overall points lead with teammate Martin Necas, both of whom have registered multiple points in several games. Cale Makar, also a key player, tops all NHL defensemen in scoring with five points.
The Florida Panthers are in second place, managing a 3-1-0 record despite missing key players Matthew Tkachuk and captain Aleksander Barkov due to injuries. Their resilience was evident as they began the season with three wins before succumbing to the Philadelphia Flyers. Brad Marchand and Anton Lundell have emerged as leaders, each contributing four points.
The Boston Bruins follow closely in the rankings, having initially swept their first three games before a narrow defeat against the Tampa Bay Lightning. They are tied with Colorado, Florida, and Minnesota for the most goals scored in the NHL, demonstrating a strong offensive presence with David Pastrnak and Pavel Zacha leading the charge.
Additional teams of interest include the Nashville Predators, who have shown marked improvement following a tough previous season, and the Dallas Stars, who continue to perform well despite defensive challenges.
Other notable mentions include the Carolina Hurricanes, Seattle Kraken, Detroit Red Wings, Minnesota Wild, and Winnipeg Jets, all of whom have made their mark in the opening week through various impressive performances and noteworthy individual player contributions.
With the season still young, there’s a sense of excitement as teams develop chemistry and competitors rise to the challenge. As organizations seek to establish their footing in the league, the early performances hint at an engaging season ahead, filled with potential for both teams and individual players alike. The atmosphere is optimistic as each franchise embarks on their journey, aiming for playoff contention and perhaps even a shot at the coveted Stanley Cup.